Xie Xie stood at the front of the boys' line, facing all the Sea God Fairies, his face flushed with nervousness.
"Junior brother, you may begin now," Tang Yinmeng gently reminded him.
Xie Xie looked at Yuanen Yehui across from him, but she wasn't looking back, which only intensified the fear already gnawing at his anxious heart.
"I... I..." he stammered as he began introducing himself, expressing his feelings and thoughts. But his nervousness made his words hard for the girls to resonate with, though many of the boys felt a sympathetic pang.
Encouraged by their cheers, Xie Xie somehow found his voice flowing smoothly in the last fifteen seconds, successfully conveying his feelings.
"...Yuanen, you might not remember me anymore, but I'll never forget you. I like you!" Xie Xie shouted with his eyes tightly shut.
Hearing his confession, Yuanen Yehui couldn't help but look up at him, her face a mix of surprise and bewilderment. She clearly hadn't expected anyone to confess to her, just as Xie Xie had said—she truly didn't remember him.
In truth, they had hardly interacted. Their only common ground was being Working Students, with no other connections. Yuanen Yehui was puzzled—how could this guy possibly like her?
After Xie Xie's confession, all eyes instinctively turned to Yuanen Yehui, who stood silently without any reaction.
"Good, very good. Junior brother number eleven did great. Love should be shouted out loud," Lan Muzi said approvingly. "However, following procedure, you still need to give me a number. As for how your beloved responds, we'll have to wait for the next segment."
"I understand, senior brother," Xie Xie replied, now unusually relaxed, perhaps because he'd finally spoken his heart. He even joked, "I've waited three years already. Waiting a bit longer won't make me grow mushrooms."
Lan Muzi chuckled before turning to Tang Yinmeng. "Yinmeng, draw the third boy to take the stage."
Tang Yinmeng nodded, pulling out the third stick before announcing cheerfully, "Boy number two."
Number two was Le Zhengyu. Compared to Xie Xie, he exuded confidence and boldness as he stepped forward.
"Hello everyone, I'm Le Zhengyu," he said with a composed smile, releasing his Martial Soul. Four purple and one black Soul Rings showcased his strength. "I believe my Martial Soul tells you my identity—yes, I'm from the Angel Clan. For generations, my family has dedicated itself to eradicating evil, and I'm no exception."
"But I fell in love with a fallen angel. The first time I saw her, she was so beautiful I couldn't help myself. I wanted to catch her attention, so I deliberately caused trouble for her, making her lose her job. Heh, looking back now, I was truly childish back then."
Later, I found out that she was actually a student in the same year as me and even my class monitor. So I pretended to be defiant, challenging her every now and then—really just wanting to spend more time with her.
Eventually, she was admitted to the Inner Academy, while I had no choice but to return to my family to inherit my legacy. At first, I thought my feelings for her were just youthful infatuation. But when I saw her again, I realized it wasn't just liking—it was love. I love you!
Yuanen Yehui, can you hear me? I love you! Even though you are a fallen angel and I am an angel, it doesn't matter. I want to be with you, even if it means defying my family's rules—I don't care!"
Listening to Le Zhengyu's heartfelt confession, Xie Xie, at the very least, felt as if the sky had collapsed. The moment Le Zhengyu mentioned "fallen angel," a sense of foreboding rose in Xie Xie's heart. And sure enough, the person he liked turned out to be Yuanen Yehui.
Yuanen Yehui, being confessed to again, showed no trace of happiness. She stared at Le Zhengyu expressionlessly, her eyes calm and unreadable. Though his words were sweet, to her ears, they sounded unbearably sharp.
"I never expected two boys in a row to express their feelings for Yuanen Yehui. The charm of our Sea God Fairy truly is extraordinary," Lan Muzi remarked in amazement. "Honestly, I'm tempted to skip straight to the next segment."
"That won't do," Tang Yinmeng immediately countered, drawing the next participant's number. "We still have so many boys who haven't spoken their hearts yet. Next up, please!"
Several more boys took the stage afterward. Some had someone in mind, while others had no particular goal, but all introduced themselves earnestly.
"Next, contestant number twelve."
When Tang Yinmeng called his number, Xu Lizhi didn't react at first. It wasn't until the lotus leaf beneath his feet carried him to the center that he snapped out of his daze, his face tense with nervousness.
But when he remembered that no one except Zheng Yiran had lit a lamp for him, he let out a self-deprecating laugh and calmed down.
"My name is Xu Lizhi," he said. "I'm a Food-type Soul Master, born with a love for eating. I adore all kinds of food—even my Martial Soul is a steamed bun. Naturally, I grew up chubby. I know my appearance isn't exactly appealing, but since I've made it this far, I might as well follow Senior Lan's advice—burn my boats and speak my mind.
When I was little, I met her. She was the only one among our peers who never bullied me—in fact, she even stood up for me. She was like a guardian angel to me. I knew it was just her sense of justice, but I couldn't help but admire her. It was her protection and help that shaped who I am today.
As we grew older, she became stronger and stronger, walking further along the path of a Soul Master's pinnacle. I still followed behind her every day, just like when we were kids. Those were the happiest days of my life.
But we can never go back to the past. Her progress has accelerated to a point where I can no longer keep up. She became one of the Shrek Seven Monsters, while I barely managed to enter the Inner Academy. I wanted to bury these feelings deep in my heart, but I truly couldn't resign myself to it.
When I was young, I always saw her as an elder sister. But now I realize that in my life, her importance has surpassed even food. If I had to choose between her and food, I would unhesitatingly choose her!"
At this point, Xu Lizhi paused, and the others immediately understood who the "her" in his words referred to, their gazes involuntarily shifting toward her.
Ye Xinglan remained expressionless, but a trace of helplessness flickered in her eyes.
After a brief silence, Xu Lizhi continued, "I know I'm not worthy of her. But I also know that today might be the only chance in my life where I can muster the courage to speak my heart. So even if it displeases her, I still have to say it—no matter what, I won't change my mind.
I love you! Even if you already have someone you like, I will still silently follow you, until the day you're willing to turn your gaze toward me!"
"Clap clap clap—"
As Xu Lizhi finished speaking, the boys behind him spontaneously broke into applause—not for anything else, but for his bravery and devotion.
"Junior Brother No. 12's confession is truly moving. I hope he gets his wish," Lan Muzi also applauded, though his tone carried a hint of regret. He understood all too well how slim Xu Lizhi's chances were—his rival was the most outstanding figure of their generation!
The event continued, with Xu Yu Cheng, Luo Guixing, Yang Nianxia, and others taking their turns. Xu Yu Cheng and Luo Guixing had no clear targets, but Yang Nianxia confidently expressed his feelings.
Perhaps inspired by Xu Lizhi's actions, Yang Nianxia directly confessed to Zheng Yiran, a move that surprised but didn't shock his teammates.
"Next, male participant No. 52."
It was Long Yue's turn. Jing Shaoyu couldn't help but glance at his old rival, a meaningful smile on his face. Hearing his number called, Long Yue didn't hesitate and stepped forward on the lotus leaf.
His gaze crossed the lake, landing on Dai Yuner on the opposite side.
Long Yue took a deep breath and spoke solemnly, "I know I'm not welcome here. And I understand why—I don't belong to the Douluo Continent, much less to Shrek. As a defeated man, I came here to better myself and to redeem my failures.
In your eyes, I'm an outsider. But I want to say this—Soul Masters are all the same. Like all of you, I am a Soul Master. Our goals and aspirations are identical—to pursue strength and transcendence.
Perhaps this isn't the best time to say these things, but what I want to express is that I bear no ill will in coming here.
I'm honored to participate in this matchmaking event, as it gives me a chance to voice my thoughts. Frankly, I don't understand romance, nor have I ever given it much thought. Since childhood, I've devoted myself entirely to cultivation. And because of my Martial Soul, my training process has been different from most—it has been accompanied by pain from start to finish."
This torment has driven me forward step by step, sometimes even making me lose control of my emotions and reason. That's why everyone calls me Long the Madman. But even a madman has feelings, and even a madman has someone he loves.
Even though the one I love has feelings for someone else, my heart remains as steadfast as a mountain, unwavering. Don't laugh at me, but I'm not even sure whether my feelings for her are romantic love or familial affection. But ever since childhood, she has been the one who has spent the most time by my side, the one I've seen the most.
So, I've always told myself that one day, I must make her my bride. The people around me have encouraged me in this too.
But standing here today, I'm nervous. Because for me, my rival is far too strong—his strength, his looks, everything surpasses mine by far. But I can promise this: as long as I live, I will protect you with everything I have, even my life!"
As Long Yue spoke, his gaze never left Dai Yuner. His words were sincere and deeply moving—a tough man's tenderness, nothing more, nothing less.
Hearing Long Yue's words, Dai Yuner was deeply touched. She was moved, but in her heart, she had always seen Long Yue as nothing more than an older brother. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes.
"Junior Long Yue, your sincerity is admirable. On behalf of the academy, I wish you the best. I hope you find what you seek during your time here," Lan Muzi said with a gentle smile. His words were an implicit acceptance of Long Yue, though his gaze carried a hint of pity.
Another unlucky soul. Junior Jing really is a heartbreaker, isn't he?
As Lan Muzi thought this, Tang Yinmeng called out the next number: "Next, we invite male participant number thirty-six."
In an instant, all eyes turned to Jing Shaoyu—some scrutinizing, some curious, some encouraging, some expectant, and of course, some gloating. But none of that mattered to him. The only gazes he cared about were those six unique pairs of eyes.
Under the spotlight, Jing Shaoyu stepped forward, facing the thirty-three Sea God Fairies.
"To be honest, I didn't want to participate in this matchmaking event," he began slowly, a self-deprecating smile on his lips. "Because I'm a greedy man. Sea God's Fate only allows me to take one fairy away, but my heart belongs to more than one.
"But since they all joined, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and participate—just so no one else could take them from me.
"I know I'm fickle. I know my actions are shameless. But what else can I do? I love them. I can't bear to give up any of them. Each one is my irreplaceable treasure, the wings that let me soar."
As he spoke, he spread his arms, and his Origin Elf Martial Soul manifested. Three pairs of six emerald-green wings unfurled, radiating a faint aura of life. At the same time, six crimson Soul Rings formed a heart-shaped pattern behind him.
"So, even if it means being scorned by thousands, even if it means bearing infamy, I will never abandon any of them. I will never let them be hurt, and I will never let them leave my side."
"I can't promise the romance of 'one heart, one love for life,' but I can give up everything for them—including my dignity and my life!"
Jing Shaoyu's words left everyone present utterly stunned. Even those who were already aware of the internal dynamics among the Seven Monsters couldn't help but cast shocked glances at him. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle—declaring love to multiple Sea God Fairies at the Sea God's Fate event. He was undoubtedly the first in history to do so!
The Elders on the Tower Ship were also dumbfounded by Jing Shaoyu's bold declaration, momentarily at a loss for words.
Yun Ming remained expressionless, while Ya Li's eyes sparkled with amusement. As for Jing Ziyuan and Lin Xin, their faces were alight with barely contained excitement—though not because of Jing Shaoyu's words, but purely due to his overwhelming strength.
At that moment, whether male or female, or even the Outer Academy students watching from the shore, everyone understood one thing with crystal clarity: why Jing Shaoyu was the leader and captain of the Seven Monsters.
Compared to his six 100,000-year Soul Rings, the fact that he was "sailing multiple ships" paled in insignificance.
A few male students voiced the collective sentiment: "Six!"
As for the six women—Gu Yue and the others—their expressions remained unreadable. However, Lan Fozi and Dai Yuner couldn't hide their disappointment.
"Ahem, Junior Brother Jing," Lan Muzi coughed, adopting a stern tone. "Though your request is unconventional and rather excessive, given your sincerity, we'll overlook your breach of the rules. However, there must still be a punishment: you are forbidden from submitting the numbers of your chosen ones to us."
Hearing this, Jing Shaoyu let out a rueful laugh and nodded repeatedly at Lan Muzi.
"Alright, Junior Brother Jing, return to your position now. Don't keep the other juniors waiting," Tang Yinmeng said. Unlike Lan Muzi's feigned displeasure, her irritation was genuine. But since none of the six women—Gu Yue included—voiced any objections, she couldn't say much more.
Thus, Jing Shaoyu returned to his spot, quietly exhaling in relief. The first hurdle was cleared.
The remaining male participants took their turns one after another, until only one was left.
"Alright, for the final participant, I won't draw lots. Step forward yourself," Tang Yinmeng said with a smile, eyeing the lone remaining slip in the box.
The last participant was none other than Tang Wulin. Carried forward by the lotus leaf, he stopped at the designated spot and prepared to introduce himself.
"?" On the Tower Ship, Yun Ming suddenly looked around, a flicker of unease flashing in his eyes.
"What is it, Ming?" Ya Li whispered, leaning close to his ear.
"Nothing," Yun Ming replied with a smile, shaking his head. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone was secretly observing the Sea God Lake. Was it just his imagination?
In the unfathomable void, a pair of eyes fixed upon Tang Wulin at the Sea God Lake. A voice tinged with both joy and dissatisfaction murmured, "At last..."
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